Rating of the best gas water heaters for 2020

A gas water heater is a special device in which water is heated due to the released energy during the combustion of gas. In the future, this water can be used for sanitary and hygienic or household, economic or technological needs. Both liquefied gas in cylinders and natural gas can be used as a heating fuel.

The main advantage of using such devices is the use of cheap fuel - gas. However, gas has fire and explosion hazard criteria, and even more so it is harmful to breathing, so a leaky gas water heater can become much more dangerous than its electric counterpart. In addition, gas models require a mandatory chimney, which is necessary for the purpose of removing combustion products.

Design and working principle

The considered devices differ in that the water in them is heated directly in the heat exchangers by means of the burner flame. And the temperature of the water can be adjusted by changing the intensity of the fire.

The gas water heater consists of the main modular elements:

• A power supply unit responsible for coordinating the operation of all nodes and providing a multi-level control system;
• Gas-water control device that ensures optimal and safe operation of the unit in an extended power range;
• Modular burners;
• Heated liquid temperature display screen;
• Heat exchanger, providing heat transfer to running water from burnt gases;
• Chimney, with a draft sensor installed on it.

Two pipelines are connected to the body of the device: one supplies gas, the second, respectively, cold water. The main and pilot burners are installed in the lower part of the apparatus. When the tap is turned on with water, gas flows through a special valve, which causes a fire to the main burner from the pilot.Thus, water is heated, which moves along a spiral tube installed in the heat exchanger. In this case, the release of combustion products occurs through the chimney, and the heated liquid enters the tap. This automated process allows you to quickly get hot water.

Types of gas water heaters

According to their internal structure, they can be divided into storage and flow. Wall-mounted flow models are often called gas columns, which is not far from the truth, however, modern models have some improvements. The peculiarity of the instantaneous water heater is that it has a relatively small size.

A gas boiler (also known as a storage gas water heater) has a large tank, the dimensions of which will depend on the amount of hot water required. These models will be able to provide heated water not only for a couple of washbasins, but also for a shower and several bathrooms in a large country house. Among other things, such heaters are perfect for those places where the gas line has weak power ratings.

Features of the choice of a gas instantaneous water heater

Power (thermal nominal)

It is one of the most important criteria for determining how much hot liquid can be obtained at the outlet. There are usually three groups:

• High-power - 28-20 kW;
• Medium power - 22-24 kW;
• Low-power - 17-19 kW.

When choosing, you should pay attention to which power parameter is indicated in the instructions - useful or consumed. You need to focus on the useful power, it is she who will determine the amount and speed of heating. For example, the following indicators of the consumption of hot liquid, depending on the net power, can be given:

• With a power of 19 kW, heating up to 50 degrees will occur at a flow rate of up to 5 l / min, and for heating up to 25 degrees - up to 11, 5 l / min;
• With a power of 24 kW, heating to 50 degrees will occur at a flow rate of up to 7 l / min, and for heating up to 25 degrees - up to 14 l / min;
• With a power of 28 kW, heating to 50 degrees will occur at a flow rate of up to 8 l / min, and for heating up to 25 degrees - up to 16 l / min.

Usually, in private houses, models with a power indicator from 17 to 26 kW are used, although today there are already devices with a power of 47 kW. For a small city apartment for two people, a 17-18 kW unit is enough - enough for both a washbasin and a shower (in one minute it is quite possible to heat about 8 liters to a temperature of 40 degrees). But if you need to wash, take a bath and wash dishes at the same time, then you cannot do without a powerful model of 23-28 kW. If the available power seems high enough, then it can always be reduced by turning the burner flame down (the smaller the flame, the less gas burns).

The adjustment operation can be carried out:

• Automatic - the flame increases / decreases relative to the amount of fluid flow passing through the device;
• Manually - by changing the position of the handle, the heat output (flame value) is changed, from about 50 to 100% of the maximum value. Thus, the lower the flow, the higher the temperature, and vice versa.

Differences in flow apparatus by type of ignition

By this parameter, they can be divided into:

• Piezo ignition is the most budgetary option, to start which you just need to light the igniter and leave it to work in standby mode;
• Electric ignition - with this option, the installation of batteries will be required, work will begin immediately after the user opens the tap with hot water;
• Hydro-generator - as in the above case, work begins from the moment the hot tap is opened, only batteries are not needed. The main thing is that there is sufficient pressure in the water supply (the normal indicator is 15 l / min for taking a shower, and 10 l / min will do for washing dishes).

Of course, if the user wants the temperature to be always constant, then it is necessary to purchase a model with exclusively automatic control.

Combustion products removal

Combustion chambers in the considered devices are of two types - open and closed. From the open chamber, the exhaust gases go into a chimney specially built for this purpose. Exhaust gases leave the closed chamber through a special coaxial metal hose, which can be led out through the wall or through a window. The first type of gas removal will show a high level of efficiency, and the second is the most economical.

Work safety

In order to prevent emergencies, manufacturers equip their units with special safety systems. These can be a flame controller, a draft sensor and a hydraulic valve.

Traction sensor will work when the function of the chimney is violated - it will turn off the gas supply if the exhaust gas substance begins to enter the room, and not into the chimney.

Hydraulic valve will react to the liquid level in the heat exchanger. If it is empty, then the gas supply will be automatically disabled, thus the equipment will not overheat.

Often flame controller is a thermocouple - if the fire (in case of a malfunction) is flooded with liquid, then the system will independently turn off the gas at the inlet, thereby preventing its leakage.

Features of choosing a gas storage water heater

According to the generally accepted opinion, the choice of a storage heater is much more complicated, because it has a wide range of characteristics.

Tank capacity

It can range from 50 to 100 liters. When buying, it should be noted that one person will need about 25-30 liters for a comfortable shower. If, while taking a shower, additional consumption is also required (for example, washing dishes), then the tank must hold at least 50 liters. It should be understood that for high-quality heating of about 30 liters, it may take from 45 minutes to an hour. For comfortable conditions of use, the shower stall requires at least 4 liters of warm water per minute. If you save money and install a 10 liter tank, then it will be enough for at least five minutes of warm water procedures. Therefore, heaters with a small tank volume are used exclusively for washing or washing dishes.

Power

Electric models with a power of 1-3 kW are quite capable of operating from a conventional power supply, so they do not need to be connected to a power line. However, gas models will be extremely economical, as can be seen in the following example: an electric appliance with a power of 1.5-3 kW will heat 150 liters in at least 2 hours, while a gas model with a slightly higher power will cope with the same task approximately in an hour.

Tank material

As a rule, this element of the device is made of ordinary steel with a glass or enamel coating, or made of stainless alloys. Both of these types have their pros and cons. Coated tanks are much cheaper than stainless ones, but the walls of the latter will be noticeably thinner, which indicates their low strength resource. If water hammer often occurs in the water supply network of a potential user, then the chances of damaging the tank naturally become higher. At the same time, the anti-corrosion resistance of a stainless steel tank is several times higher, and the enamel coating of a tank made of ordinary steel can crack over time from prolonged contact with water. And as soon as this process begins, then we can safely say that the tank has not long to live. The quality of the water will directly affect the time of the operational wear of the container - if it is very hard, then a large content of salts in it will lead to immediate formation of scale. The same will happen if there are abrasive particles (fine sand) in the water.

Internal lining of the boiler tank

It can be made of glass porcelain, stainless steel, or generally titanium.It is this spraying that will protect the tank from rust, which will directly affect its service life. And of course, the use of one or another type of spraying will affect the total cost of the unit.

The most popular is considered to be glass-porcelain and enamel coatings, because they protect well against rust. Moreover, such coatings have a fairly democratic price tag. However, they have a significant disadvantage - they are extremely sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. If the drops occur frequently, then microcracks may appear on the surface. Nevertheless, you can use the heater in a gentle mode and not heat the water above 60 degrees, but then there will be a risk that not all harmful bacteria in the water will die from high temperatures.

Samples with an internal titanium coating or stainless steel are considered more reliable. For the tanks described above, in which glass porcelain or enamel is used, the manufacturer sets a warranty period of no more than a year, while for titanium / stainless products, the warranty can be from 7 to 10 years. Naturally, such devices will cost more. In addition, it should be noted that it is titanium spraying that is found only in top models of water heaters.

Nevertheless, even expensive stainless steel or titanium structures are not devoid of their own disadvantages. These may include their vulnerability in welding places. Over time, weld spots can leak. Another disadvantage can be called specifically stainless products - they can give water an unpleasant taste and smell due to oxidative processes. And this can cause a negative reaction in a person, for example, while brushing teeth. In fairness, it should be clarified that the number of such complaints from users is extremely small.

Magnesium anode

For additional protection against rust, absolutely all boilers are equipped with complexes of electrochemical protection with a protective anode (in rare cases, zinc, but in most cases - magnesium). The anode is a consumable element that oxidizes during operation and dissolves, while maintaining the integrity of the container. Such protection is installed even in stainless steel models, but due to the fact that there the metal of manufacture itself copes with the anti-corrosion task, it is almost not necessary to replace the anodes.

Closed / open combustion chamber

A chimney will have to be built if the user intends to use a gas boiler. The complexity of its device in a closed / open form will be provided for by the design of the water heater itself. When installing an apparatus with a closed chamber, the financial costs will be much less precisely for the installation of the gas outlet, but the unit itself will cost more, because a special coaxial sleeve is used to remove the exhaust gases.

Tank shape and dimensions

The execution of this element of the water heater can be in the following forms:

• Rectangular;
• Cylindrical;
• Slim form (refined).

And according to the type of location, they can be both horizontal and vertical. In turn, some models may have large dimensions with a small declared capacity. This means that in the tank a fair share between the walls is made up of thermal insulation material. On the one hand, such a tank will keep the water heated longer, but on the other hand, you will have to be content with a small amount of it.

Additional options

Some models of water heaters can be equipped with additional devices:

• Thermostat for setting the required heating degree (power);
• Temperature sensor for water in the tank;
• Exhaust hood, which prevents the return of exhaust gases;
• Integrated protection system against various emergencies;
• Elements of manual or electronic control.

Advantages of a gas storage heater over electric models

The main and undoubted advantage is the low price of gas in comparison with electricity.But at the same time, the very cost of a gas apparatus, the price of its installation and the conditions necessary for this, are much more demanding than that of an electric one. However, as practice shows, all these expenses will pay off pretty quickly.

Rating of the best gas water heaters for 2020

Flow-through units

3rd place: Zanussi GWH 6 Fonte

A standard and inexpensive heater, perfect for city apartments. The low power is compensated by the presence of additional options and sufficient performance. The model is provided with comprehensive protection against emergency situations, has an open type of combustion chamber.

Name	Index
power, kWt	12
Productivity, liters per minute	6
Ignition type	Electric
Control	Mechanical
Price, rubles	5100

• Ease of installation;
• Versatility;
• Affordable price.

• Only one year warranty.

2nd place: Wert 10EG Berry

An excellent model that perfectly combines the price / quality ratio. It has a wall-mounted vertical mounting method and can be easily installed in almost any room. The unit is characterized by a high level of performance of the case, has a whole complex of protection against overheating.

Name	Index
power, kWt	20
Productivity, liters per minute	12
Ignition type	Electric
Control	Mechanical
Price, rubles	6700

• Good price / quality ratio;
• The main functionality has been expanded;
• Has small dimensions;
• 2 years warranty.

• Not installed (for its segment).

1st place: Bosch W 10 KB

Sample from a world famous European home appliance manufacturer. Differs in increased reliability - the manufacturer declares the term of work without breakdowns within 15 years. At the same time, it has a fairly average performance. The price may seem a bit overpriced, but that is the fee for a well-known brand.

Name	Index
power, kWt	17
Productivity, liters per minute	10
Ignition type	Electric
Control	Mechanical
Price, rubles	11000

• Excellent workmanship;
• Performance indicators are sufficient for a small apartment;
• Extended warranty - 2 years.

• High price.

Accumulators

3rd place: BAXI SAG3 80

A spacious and efficient heater is perfect for servicing a country house. It is equipped with a water hammer damping system, and its large tank has an internal enamel anti-corrosion coating. In addition, an anode is installed in the tank to protect against rust.

Name	Index
Maximum heating temperature, degrees	70
Tank volume, liters	80
Ignition type	Piezo ignition
Control	Mechanical
Price, rubles	27000

• Sufficient functionality at an average price;
• Large tank;
• Rapid heating of water.

• Large dimensions.

2nd place: Ariston SGA 120

This unit is characterized by high performance, despite its increased capacity. In addition, it has indicators for heating, on / off, its own thermometer and a gas control safety valve. Wall mounted vertically with bottom piping.

Name	Index
Maximum heating temperature, degrees	75
Tank volume, liters	115
Ignition type	Piezo ignition
Control	Mechanical
Price, rubles	38000

• Increased tank;
• Excellent performance;
• A large number of additional options.

• Not found.

1st place: American Water Heater PROLine G-61-50T40-3NV

This model is the flagship in the market and is made by an American manufacturer. In addition to advanced technical indicators, it has high-precision electronic filling both for daily work and for managing emergency situations. Can easily serve a large country house with several bathrooms.

Name	Index
Maximum heating temperature, degrees	70
Tank volume, liters	190
Ignition type	Electrical
Control	Electronic
Price, rubles	44000

• Increased productivity;
• Versatility;
• Quality materials of manufacture.

• High price.

Instead of an epilogue

The analysis of the market showed that gas water heaters in Russia are represented mainly by Western firms. There are very few domestic samples in this market and they are not popular. At the same time, we can safely say that only high-quality models from world-famous brands are on sale and their prices are only in rare cases overpriced. Nevertheless, professionals advise purchasing such equipment in specialized retail stores, rather than on Internet sites.